Apparatus for gathering an accumulation of various objects



J. VAN GEEN Dec. 7, 1965 3,221,903 APPARATUS FOR GATHERING AN ACCUMULATION OF VARIOUS OBJECTS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 24, 1962 FlG.i

INVENTOR. JOH N VAN GEEN ATTORNEYS Dec. 7, 1965 J. VAN GEEN 3,221,903

APPARATUS FOR GATHERING AN ACCUMULATION OF VARIOUS OBJECTS Filed Sept. 24, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 2 iii m (D IO 1' INVENTOR. JOH N VAN GE EN ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,221,903 APPARATUS F 0R GATHERING AN ACCUMULA- TION OF VARIOUS OBJECTS John Van Geeu, Sunnyvale, Calif, assignor to RS Electronics Corporation, Palo Alto, Calif, a corporation of California Filed Sept. 24, 1962, Ser. No. 225,649 7 Claims. (Cl. 21417) This invention relates to apparatus for gathering together a predetermined grouping of various objects and more particularly to a system of apparatus for ensuring that all parts of the group are accumulated. One particularly useful application of this invention is in the packaging of kits for building model airplanes and the like where it is necessary that the kit include all of the required parts of the model.

It is generally an object of the present invention to provide an improved means for gathering together an accumulation of parts.

It is another object of the invention to ensure accumulation of a complete set or predetermined grouping of parts for packaging.

In packaging equipment of the foregoing kind, it sometimes occurs that it takes longer to dispense one part than it does another. Furthermore, the inclusion of an extra part in an application such as the one above would only increase the manufacturers cost of the kit, whereas the omission of a part from the kit would obviously cause dissatisfaction by the customer. According to the structure herein disclosed, there is provided a system of several dispensing units. All units start up together to commence delivery of their respective parts. However, they each can finish at different times so as to accommodate delays in delivery by any particular unit. The next subsequent dispensing cycle is thus made dependent on successful completion of delivery by all units during the preceding cycle.

Therefore, it is another object to provide a system of several dispensing units which start together but which operate independently after each commences its dispensing operation.

It is another object of the invention to provide dispensing apparatus wherein each subsequent dispensing cycle is dependent upon successful completion of delivery by all units during the prior cycle.

In dispensing parts of various sizes, shapes, Weights and the like, it is necessary to provide a hopper construction suitable to these various requirements. As disclosed herein, there is provided a bottom opening hopper having a bird-like beak appearance and operation which provides an extremely large delivery passage for very limited activating movement.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel dispensing unit for use in numbers to provide an improved dispensing system.

These and other objects will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawing in which:

FIGURE 1 shows a bottom opening dispensing unit in accordance with the invention.

FIGURE 2 shows a plurality of units as illustrated in FIGURE 1 and disposed to form a dispensing system.

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged detailed view of the lower region of the unit shown in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 4 is a schematic circuit diagram of a control circuit for the units of FIGURE 2 in accordance with the invention.

According to the invention, each dispensing unit of the system includes a bottom opening hopper for receiving and dispensing an object, such as the parts of a kit. The

3,221,903 Patented Dec. 7, 1965 ice bottom of the hopper is operable between an open and a closed position. Means are provided for sensing receipt into the hopper of the part to be dispensed as well as means for sensing closure of the hopper. A predetermined readiness condition which includes the conjoint indication that 1) the hopper is closed, and (2) a part has been received therein serves to control a motor which will operate the hopper.

Interconnecting two of such dispensing units, i.e., one for each of two classifications of objects, forms a kit delivering system when means are provided which preclude the initiation of dispensing by either of the dispensing units until both are in the aforementioned predetermined readiness condition. After dispensing by the respective individual units commences, each unit continues independently of the other. Each unit terminates its operation when a predetermined reset state thereof is established, i.e., when the hopper is again closed and there is an indication that no part is present.

As shown in FIGURE 1, there is provided a bottom opening hopper for receiving and dispensing an object or a kit part. The hopper is operable between a closed and an open position to first receive a part and then deliver same at a proper time. The hopper includes a pair of triangular-shaped planar members 10. Members 10 are joined along a common side to form the edge 11. If both sides 10 have been cut from a single piece of sheet material, edge 11 can be formed by bending. The righthand edges 12 of members 10 are held spaced apart by a flap portion 13 extending therebetween. The third or rear side of the hopper is closed by a planar member 14 rigidly supported by a fixed frame structure 26. Flap 13 is hinged to member 14 whereby leftward movement of members 10 opens the hopper along edges 12.

The interior of the hopper thus forms an inverted open pyramid. This construction serves to turn parts, as they are received, in a manner tending to increase likelihood of being sensed. The construction also ensures that parts will be passed across the photocell assembly 25 at the vertex of the pyramid.

The means for moving members 10 with respect to member 14 includes a motor 15 connected to drive flywheel 16 and a connecting rod 17 slidably fastened at its left end in member 18. Pyramid members 10 are springloaded against member 14. Thus, motor 15 does not work against its load until it has begun picking up speed.

Means are provided for sensing the closure of the hopper comprising a portion 19 on bracket 18. Portion 18 extends into contact with a microswitch 20 when members 16 are closed against member 14.

Means are also provided for guiding objects to be dispensed into the open upper end of the hopper. This guiding means comprises a chute 21 having three foursided members 22, 23 and 24. Members 22-24 are assembled to provide a configuration of triangular crosssection, vw'th the lower end of chute 21 emptying into the top of the hopper.

Means are provided for sensing and giving visual indication to an attendant of the receipt into the hopper of an object to be dispensed. This sensing means includes directional photocell assembly 25 shown best in FIGURE 3 and arranged to sense either of two light bulbs 31, 32. Assembly 25 includes a triangular strengthening member 27 screwed behind the end of member 14. Member 27 is formed with a slot 28 which extends below member 14. A directional photoresponsive device 30 is located in the slot and potted in place, if desired. A triangularly-shaped surface-textension member 29 is screwed to member 27 flush with the surface of member 14 to form a continuation thereof. Member 29 l by the hopper.

0 is of a wear-resistant clear plastic to protect the photoresponsive device.

In order to illuminate photocell assembly 25, the pair of incandescent lights 31, 32 are mounted in the members 23 and 24. Lights 31 and 32 are controlled by circuitry described below. Photodevice 30 is focused along an axis 33 passing between lights 31 and 32 so as to utilize either of the latter. The interior surfaces of chute 21 can be reflective to increase use of the light supplied at either bulb.

Member 22 of chute 21 is inclined at an angle which serves to direct an object falling therealong in a path intersecting axis 33 increasing the probability of response by device 30. The edge 34 of chute 21 is also inclined at an angle so as to locate lamps 31 and 32 in a somewhat protected disposition.

A system for gathering together parts to form a predetermined grouping thereof using at least two units as described above is tied together with the circuitry now to be described. This circuitry provides an interconnection whereby initiation of dispensing by any of the units is precluded until all are in a predetermined readiness condition so that all start dispensing at substantially the same time. After commencing delivery, however, each unit continues to run independently of the others until indication of delivery of its respective part is rendered.

The circuitry for operating one such unit, and interconnecting several, includes the circuit of motor 15. Line voltage of 110 volts A.-C. is provided across leads 36 and 37. An on-off switch 38 and fuse are included in lead 37. Switch 38 leads to a conductor 39 which connects through the upper armature 41 of motor relay MR having a coil 42. Motor relay MR is shown in its deenergized condition whereby armature 41 connects conductor 39 to lead 43 and the bi-phase field windings 44 of motor 15. As used herein the terms normally open and normally closed relate to the condition of relays when no current flows in the relay coil. Thu-s, armature 41 is normally closed. In order to adjust the phase of one winding 44 with respect to the other, a condenser 45 is included in the circuit on one ide. The common point between windings 44 leads to ground via conductor 46 and lead 47.

The foregoing means, therefore, can sense a predetermined reset condition. Thus, upon initially closing on-off switch 38, motor of each unit will operate to close any hopper which is open at that time. Closure of the hopper will be sensed by contact of portion 19 with the armature of microswitch 20. When no object ha yet been sensed, the unit is in a predetermined reset condition, i.e., hopper closed with no part or object to be dispensed present therein.

Photoresponsive means sense the acquisition of a part When a part of the kit is supplied to the hopper via chute 21 and the axis 33 between photodevice 30 and lamp 31 i intercepted, the circuit of the photodevice senses same. This circuit includes the secondary 48 of a transformer T having a terminal 49 connected to grounded lead 50, conductors 51, 52 and the photocell. The other side of photodevice 30 is connected to lead 53 coupled to the control grid of thyratron 54. Lead 53 is also connected to ground via a neon bulb 55 serving to protect photodevice 30 from overload voltages applied thereto.

Photocell assembly includes a photoresponsive device wherein the resistance of same changes between dark andlight condition, for example, having a high resistance value in darkness and a low resistance value when light falls upon it. Thus, as a part to be dispensed intercepts axis 33, the photoresponsive device 30 exhibits a high resistance thereby raising the voltage on the control grid serving to turn the thyratron on. When the thyratron is turned on, a current will flow between the cathode and plate 56 thereof. This plate current serves to energize part relay PR transferring its lower armature 57 from the normally closed or no part position 4 to a position indicating the presence of a part in the hopper.

This shift of PR armature 57 can be sensed SO as to provide means for indicating when the first one of several of the dispensing units has acquired an object to be dispensed. This function can be performed by connecting PR point 58 to a line 59 leading to suitable means for sensing ground potential. The transfer of contact 57 of part relay PR will connect line 59 to ground via line 61, the armature of microswitch 20 when the hopper is closed, line 62 and conductors 51 and S0.

The reset condition with hopper closed and no part present serves to reactivate the motor circuit by opening armature 41 under energization of motor relay MR. This circuit includes lead 63 connected to terminal 64 of transformer secondary 48. Transformer T steps down the 110 volt A.-C. to 12 volts. Lead 63, therefore, carries twelve volts. Lead 63 includes a diode 64 leading via conductor 65 to a motor test switch 66 connected to the coil 42 of motor relay MR. The other side of coil 42 leads to the no part contact of part relay PR. Motor relay MR includes an armature 67 which serves to establish a holding circuit for relay MR via lead 68.

Where a plurality of dispensing units are interconnected to form a system as shown in FIGURE 2, a bus 69 is connected to the respective leads 68 of each unit. Boxes 70 in FIGURE 2 each represent the circuitry of FIGURE 4 for individual units. The motor relay MR of each unit, therefore, remains energized through the no part" point of any units part relay PR which has not been transferred to the part position. When all units have received a part, the ground connection through armature 57 is broken thereby deenergizing all motor relays. As the motor relays MR are deenergized, the motor circuits are energized through their respective armature 41.

Thus, there is provided means responsive to common conditioning of all units with a part to initiate delivery of the parts from each unit. It will be noted, however, that once the units commence dispensing, each unit continues independently of the others due to the release of motor relays MR. The motor 15 of each unit will continue to run so long as the presence of a part in the hopper is indicated by darkness upon photodevice 30.

There are, however, other conditions which will create darkness upon the photodevice, for example, the failure of lamp 31. Accordingly, there is provided means responsive to failure of lamp 31 serving to turn on a second lamp and energize an alarm circuit indicative of failure of the first lamp. This emergency lighting circuit, therefore, permits operation of the apparatus to continue while awaiting repair of the first lamp circuit.

The circuit for lamp 31 can be traced from grounded leads 59, 51 and 71 through lamp 31 connected to lead 72, a lamp test switch 73 and then to a junction, one branch of which leads to a normally open contact point 74 and the other branch to a diode 75. From diode 75, the circuit leads to an electrolytic condenser 76 disposed in parallel with the coil 77 of a lamp relay LR, and then to the center-tap lead 78 of secondary winding 48.

When the filament in lamp 31 is satisfactory, six volts is applied to the lamp relay LR via the foregoing circuit. The upper armature 79 of LR is thus transferred to the contact point 74 so as to place LR in circuit between terminal 64 and center-tap 78, via lead 81 and armature 32 of pa-rt relay PR (in its no part condition).

The photodevice 30 cannot itself distinguish between the entry of a part into the hopper and failure of bulb 31. Means have, therefore, been provided for detecting this distinction, sounding the alarm and switching to an emergency bulb for continuing operations pending replacement of the bulb normally used.

To provide means whereby bulb failure can be distinguished from receipt of a part, LR includes a lower armature 88 operable between a normally closed contact point 89 and a normally open point 91, both of which are conattend-ant of the faulty lamp 31.

nected to a lead 92 in the bias circuit of thyratron 54. Armature 88, therefore, interrupts the operation of thyratron 54 upon transfer from point 89 to 91 which is effected slowly due to the relatively large capacity of condenser 76. A condenser 93 and diode 94 are connected in conventional manner in the circuit of the control grid 95 to bias thyratron 54 below cut-off.

The circuit for the emergency lamp 32 and the alarm circuit can be traced from grounded lead 50 through lamp 32, and back to the normally closed point 83 via conductor 84. The alarm 85, such as a buzzer or red light, is connected via wire 86 and a diode 87 to lead 84. Diode 87 permits either an A.-C. or DC. alarm to be employed so as to permit parallel use with the alarm of another system, if desired.

When lamp 31 fails, photodevice 30 goes dark raising the voltage on grid 95. Thyr-atron 54 fires thereby serving to energize PR and open the lamp circuit at PR armature 82. Thus, the connection between leads '63 and 81 is broken to release LR. (Lamp 31 is now defective and the six volts previously existing between line 51 and centertap line 78 is accordingly removed.) The slow transfer of LR armature 88 from contact 89 to 91 first extinguishes thyratron 54 and then prepares it for firing in response to the next darkened condition of photocell assembly 25. Extinguishing the thyratron releases PR to its no part condition just as though light had fallen upon the photocell. Thus, as LR armature 79 closes upon point 83, armature 82 reestablishes the connection between lines 63 and 81 to operate the emergency bulb 32 and alarm 85. The light from lamp 32 falls on the photocell before the thyratron can be fired by armature 88 transferring to .contact 91.

Thus, the next darkness sensed will indicate entry of a part and the alarm will meanwhile advise an Failure of lamp 31 can be simulated by opening test switch 73.

Finally, means are provided whereby opening the hopper serves to give a no part indication to PR by ground- .ing the plate of the thyratron via a conductor 96 leading to the hopper open side of microswitch 20.

Operation of the apparatus is as follows: With on-off switch 38 closed, any hoppers that are open are immediately closed 'by their associated motors to establish a predetermined reset condition, i.e., closed with no part present as indicated by the deenergized part relay PR. When reset is established, the motor circuit is broken by energizing MR. Once relay MR in each of the various units is energized, they will be held energized by lines 68 and the bus 69 common to each so long as any one of the units remains in reset condition. The first receipt of a part into one of the hoppers ground-s line 59 to provide a signal, if desired, to other related packaging equipment as well as extinguishing lamp 31. The feeding of a part into each hopper momentarily darkens the photocell to fire the thyratron thereby switching PR relay from no part to part. The reset condition of each unit is, therefore, changed to a readiness condition preparatory to dispensing a complete predetermined grouping or kit of parts.

After all hoppers have received a part, which can be visually detected by no lights 31 being on, all ground connections to the MR relay in each unit will have been interrupted thereby releasing all MR relays at substantially the same time. Release of the MR relays energizes the motor circuits via armatures 41. Subsequent operation of each unit is independent of the others until completed.

Means can be provided whereby the same dispensing unit can dispense several identical parts into each kit by including a predetermined counter 97 in series with photoresponsive device 30 and arranged to be responsive to each darkening thereof. With the counter 97 connected to give a positive going output signal upon attainment of a selected count, this positive going pulse can be utilized in the same manner as the darkening of the photodevice as caused by entry of only asingle part.

Should it be desired to operate a single unit by itself, means for commanding performance under control of an operator may be desirable whereby loading the hopper will not automatically dispense the object. For example, switch 98 shown in dotted lines could be normally connected to ground, subject to opening by an operator so as to release MR and energize the motor circuit While there have been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to the preferred embodiment, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made -by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. In dispensing apparatus of the kind described a system for dispensing a plurality of parts as a predetermined grouping thereof, said system including a plurality of dispensing units operable independently of each other, each said unit being adapted in one condition of operation to acquire a part to be dispensed and in another condition to dispense the acquired part by dispensing activity of the unit, and means interconnecting said units to preclude initiation of dispening activity by any of same until all are in a predetermined readiness condition preparatory to dispensing, means for sensing successful completion of dispensing of said parts of individual ones of said units to terminate said dispensing activity thereof, and means serving to accommodate prolongation of said activity for individual ones of said units independently of the others, whereby initiation of dispensing by said units commences at substantially the same time notwithstanding periods of dispensing of different duration for each said unit.

2. In a system for gathering together a predetermined grouping of objects of different classifications having first dispensing means to dispense an object of one classification, second dispensing means to dispense an object of an- .other classification, control means interconnecting said first and second dispensing means to preclude initiation of dispensing by said first or second means until both are in a predetermined readiness condition preparatory to dispensing, the last named means including means indicating acquisition of an object by each of said dispensing means, means operatively coupling said first and second dispensing means and responsive to conjoint indication of acquisition of an object by both said first and second dispensing means to simultaneously initiate independent dispensing operation by each, means for conditioning each of said dispensing means to an initial reset state, means for sensing said reset state, and means serving to continue the respective dispensing operation of each said dispensing means independently of the others until said reset state has been sensed, said reset state including an indication of negative acquisition of an object by said dispensing means and readiness to acquire and retain an object by same.

3. In a system for gathering together a predetermined grouping of objects of different classifications, apparatus comprising means forming a plurality of dispensing units each including a bottom-opening hopper for receiving and dispensing objects of differing classification, the bottom of each said hopper being movable between closed and open positions to dispense the objects and motive means to open and close the bottom of each hopper independently of movement of the bottom of other hoppers, control means interconnecting all said dispensing means to preclude opening any of said hoppers until all are in a predetermined readiness condition preparatory to dispensing, means operatively associated with each said unit serving to establish said predetermined readiness condition for each unit, the last named means including means for sensing the presence in said hopper of an object to be dispensed and means for sensing closure of the bottom of said hopper, means operatively coupling all said dispensing means and responsive to conjoint sensing of an object in all hoppers to simultaneously initiate bottom opening dispensing movement by the motive means of each, and means serving to permit the motive means of each unit to continue said dispensing movement independently of the other units until successful completion of dispensing therefrom, and means serving to sense successful completion of dispensing of the object, and to terminate dispensing operation of each said dispensing unit after it has successfully completed its dispensing activity.

4. In a system for gathering together a predetermined grouping of objects of diiterent-classification, apparatus comprising first dispensing means forming a unit to acquire an object of one classification, second dispensing means forming a unit to acquire an object of another classification, each said unit including means movable to dispense the object thereof and motive means coupled to so move the last named means, means indicating acquisition of an object by each of said dispensing means, means operatively coupling the motive means of said first and second dispensing means to respond to conjoint indication of acquisition of an object by both said first and second dispensing means and to simultaneously initiate dispensing movement by each, means controlling the motive means of each unit serving to continue the dispensing movement of the thirdly named means for each unit independently of said movement of the thirdly named means of the other unit until successful completion of dispensing of the acquired object thereof, and means controlling the motive means of each unit to terminate said movement independently of the other to dispose each of said dispensing units in condition to subsequently acquire another object immediately upon successfully having dispensed a prior object notwithstanding continued dispensing activity of the third named means of the other dispensing unit.

5. In a system for gathering together a predetermined grouping of objects of different classifications, apparatus comprising a plurality of dispensing units each formed to acquire and dispense an object of difierent classification, means indicating to the human senses the acquisition of an object by each of said dispensing units, additional means giving indication when the initial one of said dispensing units has acquired its-object, means operatively coupling all said dispensing units and responsive to conjoint acquisition of an object by each to simultaneously initiate dispensing operation by each.

6. In a system for gathering together a predetermined grouping of objects of difierent classifications, apparatus comprising first dispensing means forming a unit disposed to acquire an object of one classification, second dispensing means forming a unit disposed to acquire an object of another classification, each unit including means movable to dispense its acquired object and motive means to so move the last named means, means controlling the motive means of said first and second dispensing means to preclude initiation of dispensing activity by said first or second means until both are in a predetermined readiness condition preparatory to dispensing, reset means defining a predetermined reset condition for each said unit indicative of successful completion of dispensing of the acquired object thereof, said control means being responsive to common establishment of said readiness condition in each unit to simultaneously initiate dispensing by both said units, and each said motive means being independently responsive to the reset means thereafter to terminate its dispensing movement upon establishment of the reset condition, whereby both dispensing means start dispensing at substantially the same time upon common establishment of said readiness condition and dispensing by each said dispensing means continue independently of the other until completed.

7. In a system for gathering together a predetermined grouping of objects of different classifications, apparatus comprising means forming first and second dispensing units, each unit including means to acquire an object wherein the objects are of diiferent classifications, each unit having a portion thereof movable to dispense the acquired object associated therewith and motive means providing said movement, each unit further including sensing means to sense the acquisition of an object by the unit, the last named means having a first state indicative of acquisition and a second state indicative of negative acquisition, control means interconnecting said first and second units to preclude initiation of said dispensing movement by said units until the sensing means of each is in the first state thereof, and means responsive to their conjoint conditioning to said first state to activate each said motive means to simultaneously provide said dispensing movement for each unit, each motive means being operatively responsive to its associated sensing means to independently terminate dispensing movement of its associated unit upon occurrence of said second state of said sensing means.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,412,137 12/1946 Fink. 2,845,759 8/1958 Cote et a]. 536l 2,899,784 8/1959 Cleveland et a1 5361 2,908,406 10/ 1959 Arlin.

HUGO O. SCHULZ, Primary Examiner.

ERNEST A. FALLER, Examiner. 

1. IN DISPENSING APPARATUS OF THE KIND DESCRIBED A SYSTEM FOR DISPENSING A PLURALITY OF PARTS AS A PREDETERMINED GROUPING THEREOF, SAID SYSTEM INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF DISPENSING UNITS OPERABLE INDEPENDENTLY OF EACH OTHER, EACH SAID UNIT BEING ADAPTED TIN ONE CONDITION OF OPERATION TO ACQUIRE A PART TO BE DISPENSED AND IN ANOTHER CONDITION TO DISPENSE THE ACQUIRED PART BY DISPENSING ACTIVITY OF THE UNIT, AND MEANS INTERCONNECTING SAID UNITS TO PRECLUDE INITIATION OF DISPENSING ACTIVITY BY ANY OF SAME UNTIL ALL ARE IN A PREDETERMINED READINESS CONDITION PREPARATORY TO DISPENSING, MEANS FOR SENSING SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF DISPENSING OF SAID PARTS OF INDIVIDUAL ONES OF SAID UNITS TO TERMINATE SAID DISPENSING ACTIVITY THEREOF, AND MEANS SERVING TO ACCOMMODATE PROLOGATION OF SAID ACTIVITY FOR INDIVIDUAL ONES OF SAID UNITS INDEPENDENTLY OF THE OTHERS, WHEREBY INITIATION OF DISPENSING BY SAID UNITS COMMENCES AT SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME TIME NOTWITHSTANDING PERIODS OF DISPENSING OF DIFFERENT DURATION FOR EACH SAID UNIT. 